The Role
The Chancellor is the titular and ceremonial head of the University and plays an important ambassadorial role for the University. The Chancellor acts as an advocate for the institution. The Chancellor acts as an advocate for the University, helping to raise its profile and advance its interests nationally and internationally.
The Chancellor is appointed to this role by the Board of Governors, and will initially serve a period of office of four years (which may be extended up to a maximum of eight years) subject to Board approval.
The role of Chancellor is an honorary role - travel and subsistence expenses are paid but there is no salary.
Key Responsibilities
- To preside and confer degrees at the University’s two main diets of graduation ceremonies and occasional international graduation ceremonies;
- To help the University to promote its achievements and to enhance its profile both nationally and internationally;
- To participate in a number of the University’s publicly-facing activities including development and alumni relation events when appropriate.
Person Specification for the Chancellor
The Chancellor of Robert Gordon University must:
- share the University’s strategy and core values and, in particular, recognise the importance of higher education, learning and research;
- be a highly respected individual, with a positive public profile that resonates with students and staff;
- have demonstrated excellence in his/her field of endeavour and command the respect of the University’s communities;
- have strong public-speaking skills, capable of inspiring a diverse range of audiences.
It is also desirable that the Chancellor has one or more of the following characteristics:
- a global profile and connections;
- a willingness to actively support the University in its development and alumni relation activities.
The University is committed to equality and diversity and wishes to encourage nominations for candidates from diverse backgrounds, with a broad range of skills, and experience.
Process for Nomination
University staff and Governors are invited to submit nominations for the role of Chancellor. This can be done by downloading and completing the nomination form. In this, you are required to submit the name and contact details (if possible) of your nominee, as well as the rationale for your nomination.
The Governance and Nominations Committee of the Board of Governors is responsible for overseeing the process for appointment.
The Committee has approved the following process:
- 6 November – Nominations open.
All governors and staff of the university are entitled to nominate using the approved nomination form. No approach should be made to nominees at this stage. - 4 December – Nominations close.
- 11 December – Sub group of Governance and Nominations Committee (comprising: Colin Hunter (Chair) Ray Riddoch (Vice Chair) Steve Olivier (Principal), Rita Marcella (Staff Governor), Racheal Adedokun (Student Governor) and Veronica Strachan (Secretary to the Board)
- 22 January 2021 – sub-Committee to conclude engagement with nominees.
Final proposal to the GNC then to the Board on 30 March 2021
Nomination Form
Further Information
If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Veronica Strachan, Secretary to the Board v.strachan@rgu.ac.uk in the first instance.